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          WHO Agency: Weed Killer Ingredient 'Probably' Causes Cancer

   by VOA News

   The World Health Organization's cancer arm said Friday that an
   ingredient in the world's most widely used weed killer "probably"
   causes cancer.

   Glyphosate is the main ingredient in Roundup weed killer, manufactured
   by the U.S. chemical giant Monsanto. Many homeowners use it to kill
   weeds. But Roundup is generally used in fields of genetically modified
   crops that can withstand the chemical.

   The International Agency on Cancer Research said Friday that glyphosate
   is "probably carcinogenic to humans." It based its findings on studies
   carried out in the United States, Canada and Europe.

   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classified glyphosate as a
   possible carcinogen in 1985, but reversed its conclusion six years
   later.

   Monsanto disputed the WHO report, saying it did not understand how the
   agency could make such a "dramatic departure" from the conclusions of a
   number of regulatory agencies.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/world-health-organization-glyphosate-
   carcinogen/2689400.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/world-health-organization-glyphosate-carcinogen/2689400.html